While there are many, many layers to the hypothetical question, the coach likes what he's seen from Gabbert in two starts.

"Oh yeah, I think that's a possibility," Arians said.

Gabbert has performed well in two games as a starter in Arizona, including Sunday's last-second win over a stout Jacksonville Jaguars defense. In a small sample size, Gabbert's stats in Arians' offense are similar to what Palmer was putting up this season:

"I'm really proud of him," Arians said of Gabbert. "These things don't happen. I mean, you hope they don't happen very often when your top two guys go down. But we're very blessed to have him and he has taken the bull by the horns and showing us, 'I'm a player. I can play at this level and play very high.'"

Seeing Gabbert in Arians' system gives hope the career of the once washed-out No. 10 overall pick could be salvaged. With Palmer's future in question, the Cards will test-drive Gabbert to see whether he can sustain his play or if it will nosedive down the stretch.

After signing a cheap one-year contract to be the No. 3 QB in Arizona, Gabbert is getting a chance to write a new chapter in his career. Positive play over the final month of the season could earn him another opportunity next year, and a few more dollars in the process.